Chicago VII - CHICAGO***

Prelude To Aire/Aire/Devil's Sweet/Italian From New York/Hanky Panky/Life Saver/Happy Man/(I've Been) Searchin' So Long/Mongonucleosis/Song Of The Evergreens/Byblos/Wishing You Were Here/Call On Me/ Women Don't Want To Love Me/Skinny Boy

Chicago VII was the final double album from this ensemble. It comprises several jazz fusion tracks combined with some pop numbers. Two of the latter, (I’ve Been) Searchin’ So Long and Call On Me, reached the US top ten. (US:1)

“I would rate this last double album as their worst, with the opening progressive songs really pointless and lacking the elementary good taste which was prevalent on their previous works, when they were so creative and offering strong melodies.”

“Chicago VII marks the end of Chicago’s first true era. It’s the last double LP they ever released, it’s the first album with a Brazilian percussionist, it’s the last with instrumentals, it’s the last that is fully eclectic and experimental, and it’s the last truly great album they would release for several years.”

“Chicago VII is one of the double albums the band released during the first few years of their career, when they succeeded in combining their ambitious, experimental sides with their ability to write striking pop songs. A lot of the music is instrumental, and the band uses the space to the fullest.”

“When I first read that Chicago VII was intended to be a purely jazz fusion album, and there were indeed five fusion tracks on the album I was a bit sceptical, although upon hearing it I am pretty impressed. One of the major faults I have with the fusion tracks is for the most part, the horns really do not cut loose and are quite stiff, although Robert Lamm's keyboards, and Terry Kath's guitar work really shine on most of these songs. The pop songs are also pretty good, although they are generally ruined by very inane lyrics.”

“The whole of side one and about half of side two are taken up by jazz fusion instrumentals. The musicianship displayed on these pieces is nothing short of astounding. The second half is a big letdown, some of the songs are quite good, others are downright awful, but most are pretty cheesy.” “After the relatively downbeat pop of Chicago VI, this album shows an energetic Chicago with a positive musical outlook. While the pop element is retained, there are also incredible jazz moments that can take you back to their first three albums.”